A delicious irony of midnight crackdown on Baba Ramdev and his supporters is that both the “perpetrator and the victim” are reeling under its impact. While the prime minister has defended police action, even the lathi- charge, the general impression is that the action has aggravated government’s agony in stead of salvaging it. The question being asked in political circles is that why the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi were keeping mum when party’s senior leader, Digvijay Singh, was calling Ramdev a “maha thug”.
The impression one gathers after talking to politicians of different hues is that both the sides have to learn lessons from this gory episode. As for Baba, eyebrows were being raised over the manner in which huge money was being spent on arrangements at Ramlila Maidan. Not only this. Baba himself had come by a chartered plane to begin his statyagraha. Now, doubts are being expressed in some quarters over the allegations about police atrocities being leveled by Baba and his supporters. Fingers are also being raised at the anti-political stance taken by Baba.
The truth is that the sharing of his platform by known hardliners like Ritambara had led to full- throated backing of the BJP and the RSS. Again, there is enough evidence to suggest that Baba had not done his home work well. He wanted death sentence for corrupt people but already debate is on in the country over the continuance of death sentence. Ideally, taking a cue from Anna who had legal luminaries with him, Baba should have consulted some economists.
There is a lesson for the government too. Observers feel that it should have not acted in such a hurry. After the contents of Acharya Balkrishan’s letter were made public, the sting in Baba’s agitation had been diluted. His protest could have lost its steam in a day or two. By resorting to police action, the government gave it a fresh lease of life. The government also failed to realize the fact that if it had allowed Baba’s fast to continue, the Anna camp, which is now united with him, would have broken away.
The government has also to realize the fact that the role of civil society players is going to increase as one after the other scam is getting exposed and the government is not able to tackle the fallout. The result is that, the moral outrage against the government is growing fast.
Showing posts with label Nation News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nation News. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
After Ramdev Baba episode, Lokpal bill is in dire straits
The government on Monday rejected Anna Hazare group's demand for televising proceedings of the joint Lokpal Bill drafting committee, asserting that it was ready to go ahead with the Bill with or without participation of the group in future meetings.
It also took offence to abuses heaped on Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, saying this kind of discourse is not expected from someone claiming to represent civil society. (Swami Ramdev had called Sibal a liar and accused him of conspiring and cheating.) " We reject in the strongest possible terms these allegations.
This kind of language is just not acceptable. We also deal with civil society but never experienced such abuses. We hope that in future this kind of discourse will not be conducted in public," Sibal told a press conference after attending the Lokpal drafting committee meeting, held here despite the group's boycott. He also took on record BJP President Nitin Gadkari's observations questioning how a few nominated members of civil society were riding roughshod over Parliamentarians' rights.
Gadkari had further asked the government not to undermine the Constitution and institutions of democracy by involving the civil society in drafting the Bill as " laws are to be made by Parliamentarians." Rejecting the five issues raised by senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, co- chairman of the Lokpal committee, as " extraneous" to the drafting job, he said drafting of the Bill can not be done by posing questions and answers and that is why the committee was constituted to resolve issues through discussions.
However, if the group continues to boycott the meeting, the five ministers on the committee will continue to work on the draft, make it ready by June 30 and bring it before Parliament in the monsoon session, irrespective of the group's participation, he said.
The panel's next sitting is on June 15 and it is up to the group to attend or not, he said. Sibal taunted the group, saying that, on one hand, it wanted to complete the drafting by June 30 and, on the other hand, it tried to delay the drafting by boycotting the meeting. " The committee's mandate is to sort out issues and give a good draft and not keep exchanging letters," he asserted.
As regards many parties and chief ministers resenting the committee chairman Pranab Mukherjee seeking their views on some ticklish issues on the Lokpal Bill, the telecom minister said the government does not take opinion of parties while drafting Bills. It had done so only because it felt that this was an important legislation and hence why not seek their opinion, since the government was already taking into account the civil society's views.
It also took offence to abuses heaped on Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, saying this kind of discourse is not expected from someone claiming to represent civil society. (Swami Ramdev had called Sibal a liar and accused him of conspiring and cheating.) " We reject in the strongest possible terms these allegations.
This kind of language is just not acceptable. We also deal with civil society but never experienced such abuses. We hope that in future this kind of discourse will not be conducted in public," Sibal told a press conference after attending the Lokpal drafting committee meeting, held here despite the group's boycott. He also took on record BJP President Nitin Gadkari's observations questioning how a few nominated members of civil society were riding roughshod over Parliamentarians' rights.
Gadkari had further asked the government not to undermine the Constitution and institutions of democracy by involving the civil society in drafting the Bill as " laws are to be made by Parliamentarians." Rejecting the five issues raised by senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, co- chairman of the Lokpal committee, as " extraneous" to the drafting job, he said drafting of the Bill can not be done by posing questions and answers and that is why the committee was constituted to resolve issues through discussions.
However, if the group continues to boycott the meeting, the five ministers on the committee will continue to work on the draft, make it ready by June 30 and bring it before Parliament in the monsoon session, irrespective of the group's participation, he said.
The panel's next sitting is on June 15 and it is up to the group to attend or not, he said. Sibal taunted the group, saying that, on one hand, it wanted to complete the drafting by June 30 and, on the other hand, it tried to delay the drafting by boycotting the meeting. " The committee's mandate is to sort out issues and give a good draft and not keep exchanging letters," he asserted.
As regards many parties and chief ministers resenting the committee chairman Pranab Mukherjee seeking their views on some ticklish issues on the Lokpal Bill, the telecom minister said the government does not take opinion of parties while drafting Bills. It had done so only because it felt that this was an important legislation and hence why not seek their opinion, since the government was already taking into account the civil society's views.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Demands increasing to cease the minister quota in MHADA scheme
No response for the elected representatives quota in the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) lottery have fumed the housing activists of the city and they have now demanded scrapping of the quota and the same should be made available to general public.
MHADA had kept 78 flats reserved under the elected representatives quota that includes the current or former MPs, MLAs and MLCs, however only 14 flats received 30 applicants, while 64 flats remained unsold.
Out of that two leaders have won two houses so they would be forfeiting one house each thus leading to a surplus of 66 flats and raising questions on the reserved quota for them. Housing activists of the city have expressed their displeasure over the same claiming that the city is in desperate need of affordable housing and such reservations should be done away with.
"There is no need to have a special quota for the elected representatives and it should be scrapped immediately and also is any member of the family of an MP, MLA or MLC has a flat in the city, their application should be disqualified" said social activist Medha Patkar. Some activists have also targeted the increasing assets of the MPs and MLAs and hence demanded that they don't require any cheap house as they could afford expensive houses as well.
"The elected representatives do not deserve any special quota as most of them already have flats, even if not in their names but in the name of their kin" said Krishnaraj Rao, an RTI activist. He has alleged that they are already being given many privileges and pampered by the government. " I have came across a research that showed 400- 500% increase in assets between the time of two elections, hence they don't need an affordable house" added Rao.
Meanwhile MHADA would be consulting their legal department, as there is no clear directive in the MHADA Act, 1976 about what should be done in such a scenario.
MHADA had kept 78 flats reserved under the elected representatives quota that includes the current or former MPs, MLAs and MLCs, however only 14 flats received 30 applicants, while 64 flats remained unsold.
Out of that two leaders have won two houses so they would be forfeiting one house each thus leading to a surplus of 66 flats and raising questions on the reserved quota for them. Housing activists of the city have expressed their displeasure over the same claiming that the city is in desperate need of affordable housing and such reservations should be done away with.
"There is no need to have a special quota for the elected representatives and it should be scrapped immediately and also is any member of the family of an MP, MLA or MLC has a flat in the city, their application should be disqualified" said social activist Medha Patkar. Some activists have also targeted the increasing assets of the MPs and MLAs and hence demanded that they don't require any cheap house as they could afford expensive houses as well.
"The elected representatives do not deserve any special quota as most of them already have flats, even if not in their names but in the name of their kin" said Krishnaraj Rao, an RTI activist. He has alleged that they are already being given many privileges and pampered by the government. " I have came across a research that showed 400- 500% increase in assets between the time of two elections, hence they don't need an affordable house" added Rao.
Meanwhile MHADA would be consulting their legal department, as there is no clear directive in the MHADA Act, 1976 about what should be done in such a scenario.
Chidambaram in line of fire for changes made in the arms licensing
The government is empowered to promulgate Ordinances to tackle urgencies without waiting for the time taken in Parliament amending or enacting an Act. Instead, Home Minister P Chidambaram resorted to an executive order to tighten the arms licensing policy bypassing a Bill or Ordinance.
His ministry has been pulled up by the home ministry-related standing committee, headed by BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu, for the directives issued to states "in the garb of advisories" to enforce the regulations months before two enabling amendments were tabled in Parliament.
It asserted that implementation of a new policy through advisories "amounts to exercise of power by the executive beyond the constitutional mandate." It accused the ministry of enforcing the new policy without amendments to the Arms Act, 1959, and the Arms Rules, 1962. The advisories contained an 11-point list of instructions to " come into force with immediate effect."
" The committee deprecates this attitude of the ministry of home affairs in general, and the home minister in particular ignoring a six-decade-old parliamentary practice and convention of first laying policy documents in Parliament and then making them public." The changes brought in the arms licensing had come in criticism and Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh even led a delegation to the Prime Minister to protest at the arbitrary decisions of Chidambaram.
The policy was finalised on April 5, 2010 while the budget session was on, but it was not brought to Parliament till May 7 when the session ended. In between, on April 6, the ministry issued the advisories on "grant of licences for acquisition/ possession of arms." The Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2010, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 25 while the Arms (Amendment) Rules, 2010 were tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2010, and in the Rajya Sabha the next day.
His ministry has been pulled up by the home ministry-related standing committee, headed by BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu, for the directives issued to states "in the garb of advisories" to enforce the regulations months before two enabling amendments were tabled in Parliament.
It asserted that implementation of a new policy through advisories "amounts to exercise of power by the executive beyond the constitutional mandate." It accused the ministry of enforcing the new policy without amendments to the Arms Act, 1959, and the Arms Rules, 1962. The advisories contained an 11-point list of instructions to " come into force with immediate effect."
" The committee deprecates this attitude of the ministry of home affairs in general, and the home minister in particular ignoring a six-decade-old parliamentary practice and convention of first laying policy documents in Parliament and then making them public." The changes brought in the arms licensing had come in criticism and Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh even led a delegation to the Prime Minister to protest at the arbitrary decisions of Chidambaram.
The policy was finalised on April 5, 2010 while the budget session was on, but it was not brought to Parliament till May 7 when the session ended. In between, on April 6, the ministry issued the advisories on "grant of licences for acquisition/ possession of arms." The Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2010, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 25 while the Arms (Amendment) Rules, 2010 were tabled in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2010, and in the Rajya Sabha the next day.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Grand arrangements made, Baba Ramdev satyagraha begins today
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev appeared cracking up as a negotiating senior Union minister claimed signals from him to convert his indefinite fast from Saturday into one or two days of ''Satyagraha'' to register the nationwide revulsion against corruption and then wind up.
He has sought a "face-saving" government package of concrete and time- bound written assurances to put before the mass of people arriving here to join his mega demonstration to take their vote, the minister said. After a Congress core group meeting at the PM's House chaired by Sonia Gandhi approved a draft document as response to his demands, senior ministers huddled at Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's residence for two hours to discuss how to bail out the Yoga guru, without damaging his credibility.
Their prime concern is that the Anna Hazare- led civil society group is trying to close ranks with the Baba, defeating the government's strategy to divide them after the group back- stabbed it despite the government yielding to sit with it to frame the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.
The importance accorded to the Baba with what he sees as "positive" responses has moved him to consider rolling back the pressure he has built on the government, but he conveyed that he would consider limiting the show to one or two days instead of calling it off, particularly when thousands have set off for Delhi and he has already spent lakhs on the paraphernalia.
The document readied by the Prime Minister and senior ministers and approved by Sonia Gandhi at the core group meeting on Thursday evening may not meet Ramdev's demands "100 per cent" as he wants and yet the government does not want to antagonise him by saying that his demands in the garb of fighting corruption are completely irrational.
The senior ministers meeting at Mukherjee's residence discussed how to convince Baba that the document is the proof of the government's commitment to tackle the very issues he had raised. Subodh Kant Sahay, who has emerged as the key negotiator owing to his long equations with the Baba said the government's difficulty is that his demands involve a host of policy issues unlike the specific demand Hazare put for a joint drafting committee on the Lokpal Bill that could be accepted.
Ramdev, who is spending the night at the Ramlila Grounds close to New Delhi station, has made grand arrangements for the people joining his massive show.
He has sought a "face-saving" government package of concrete and time- bound written assurances to put before the mass of people arriving here to join his mega demonstration to take their vote, the minister said. After a Congress core group meeting at the PM's House chaired by Sonia Gandhi approved a draft document as response to his demands, senior ministers huddled at Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's residence for two hours to discuss how to bail out the Yoga guru, without damaging his credibility.
Their prime concern is that the Anna Hazare- led civil society group is trying to close ranks with the Baba, defeating the government's strategy to divide them after the group back- stabbed it despite the government yielding to sit with it to frame the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.
The importance accorded to the Baba with what he sees as "positive" responses has moved him to consider rolling back the pressure he has built on the government, but he conveyed that he would consider limiting the show to one or two days instead of calling it off, particularly when thousands have set off for Delhi and he has already spent lakhs on the paraphernalia.
The document readied by the Prime Minister and senior ministers and approved by Sonia Gandhi at the core group meeting on Thursday evening may not meet Ramdev's demands "100 per cent" as he wants and yet the government does not want to antagonise him by saying that his demands in the garb of fighting corruption are completely irrational.
The senior ministers meeting at Mukherjee's residence discussed how to convince Baba that the document is the proof of the government's commitment to tackle the very issues he had raised. Subodh Kant Sahay, who has emerged as the key negotiator owing to his long equations with the Baba said the government's difficulty is that his demands involve a host of policy issues unlike the specific demand Hazare put for a joint drafting committee on the Lokpal Bill that could be accepted.
Ramdev, who is spending the night at the Ramlila Grounds close to New Delhi station, has made grand arrangements for the people joining his massive show.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
MHADA lottery winners eligibility to be thoroughly examined
The 3849 lucky winners of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) lottery houses will now have to wait for the eligibility test to make sure their dreams of having an affordable home in the city come true. The banks would now be sending letters to the winners and the winners would have to submit the required documents between July 15 and July 30.
"As soon as the winners submit the documents to the bank, the bank would submit the same to MHADA and we will scrutinize it further and the final list would be returned to the bank," said Amarjit Manhas, chairman, Mumbai board, MHADA. Once the eligibility is proved the winners of the readymade flats would have to deposit pay the entire amount in 90 days.
The time period would be extended by another 45 days, however after that the application would be disqualified if he is not able to pay. While for the people who have won under construction houses, the payment would be done in installments.
The applicant would have to pay 10 per cent of the total amount after winning the flat, pay 40 per cent after the concrete construction of the home is ready, pay 25 per cent after the entire project is complete and pay 25 per cent final installment while taking the possession.
While for the losers the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) would be returned within a week by the electronic clearance system. The bank will have to take the permission from the Reserve Bank of India and then they will return the amount.
"As soon as the winners submit the documents to the bank, the bank would submit the same to MHADA and we will scrutinize it further and the final list would be returned to the bank," said Amarjit Manhas, chairman, Mumbai board, MHADA. Once the eligibility is proved the winners of the readymade flats would have to deposit pay the entire amount in 90 days.
The time period would be extended by another 45 days, however after that the application would be disqualified if he is not able to pay. While for the people who have won under construction houses, the payment would be done in installments.
The applicant would have to pay 10 per cent of the total amount after winning the flat, pay 40 per cent after the concrete construction of the home is ready, pay 25 per cent after the entire project is complete and pay 25 per cent final installment while taking the possession.
While for the losers the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) would be returned within a week by the electronic clearance system. The bank will have to take the permission from the Reserve Bank of India and then they will return the amount.
Pakistan follows China laid path on Siachen issue
Much to the shock of the Indian delegation, Pakistan played the China card in the Defence Secretary- level talks on Tuesday, wanting Beijing included in further talks on the Siachen dispute. The talks ended without any breakthrough.
In a "non- paper" placed on table on the second and last day of the talks, Pakistan argued that the northern part of the 2600- sq km Siachen glacier abuts the Shaksham valley under the Chinese control and hence the need to take Beijing on board. A " non- paper" in diplomatic parlance is an unofficial presentation of the stated policy of a government.
Defence Minister Pradeep Kumar is reported to have immediately rejected the demand to inject China in the talks over Siachen, asserting that "it is just not acceptable." He was quite forthright that India can not accept such a suggestion since the mountainous Shaksham valley of 5800 sq km is part of Jammu and Kashmir that had been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1948 along with other parts of the state and ceded to China in 1959. The Indian side was expecting the Pakistan document to visit the extent of agreement both sides had reached until the dialogue broke down because of 26/ 11 as never before Pakistan had ever tried to involve China in resolving the dispute.
The Siachen Glacier is under India's control since April 1984 when its troops had beaten the Pakistan Army by a day to occupy the icy heights ranging from 16000 to 22000 feet along the Saltora range of Jammu and Kashmir.
Since the two sides agreed to a ceasefire in the area from November 2003, Pakistan has been insisting on India pull out from the glacier heights to demilitarise the area. In the last round of talks over three years ago, the dispute had narrowed down to both sides agree for the pull- out but India wanting first authentication of the 110- km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) and it was on this point that the talks broke down.
In a "non- paper" placed on table on the second and last day of the talks, Pakistan argued that the northern part of the 2600- sq km Siachen glacier abuts the Shaksham valley under the Chinese control and hence the need to take Beijing on board. A " non- paper" in diplomatic parlance is an unofficial presentation of the stated policy of a government.
Defence Minister Pradeep Kumar is reported to have immediately rejected the demand to inject China in the talks over Siachen, asserting that "it is just not acceptable." He was quite forthright that India can not accept such a suggestion since the mountainous Shaksham valley of 5800 sq km is part of Jammu and Kashmir that had been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1948 along with other parts of the state and ceded to China in 1959. The Indian side was expecting the Pakistan document to visit the extent of agreement both sides had reached until the dialogue broke down because of 26/ 11 as never before Pakistan had ever tried to involve China in resolving the dispute.
The Siachen Glacier is under India's control since April 1984 when its troops had beaten the Pakistan Army by a day to occupy the icy heights ranging from 16000 to 22000 feet along the Saltora range of Jammu and Kashmir.
Since the two sides agreed to a ceasefire in the area from November 2003, Pakistan has been insisting on India pull out from the glacier heights to demilitarise the area. In the last round of talks over three years ago, the dispute had narrowed down to both sides agree for the pull- out but India wanting first authentication of the 110- km Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) and it was on this point that the talks broke down.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Govt all set to go ahead with its war against black money
Unfolding its determined war against black money, the government on Monday created an entirely new Directorate of Income Tax (Criminal Investigation) with its sub-offices in 8 cities under the Central Board of Direct Taxes to tackle the tax evasion and investments of illicit funds in various sectors.
A Finance Ministry notification setting up the new directorate known as DCI says it will handle criminal matters with financial implication punishable as an offence under the Income Tax and Wealth Tax Act. So far, this task was performed as one of its numerous responsibilities by the Income Tax Department.
Formation of a separate directorate is part of a 5-fold strategy adopted by the government to tackle the menace of illicit funds that are known loosely as black money. This strategy includes joining global crusade against black money, creating an appropriate legislative framework, setting up institutions for dealing with Illicit Funds, developing systems for implementation and imparting special skills to staff for effective action.
The new directorate is the third major step the government announced in three consecutive days, starting with creation of a high- powered panel headed by the CBDT chairman on Saturday to recommend within six months how to curb generation of black money and engaging three top class institutions to assess the real worth of the black money.
A Finance Ministry notification setting up the new directorate known as DCI says it will handle criminal matters with financial implication punishable as an offence under the Income Tax and Wealth Tax Act. So far, this task was performed as one of its numerous responsibilities by the Income Tax Department.
Formation of a separate directorate is part of a 5-fold strategy adopted by the government to tackle the menace of illicit funds that are known loosely as black money. This strategy includes joining global crusade against black money, creating an appropriate legislative framework, setting up institutions for dealing with Illicit Funds, developing systems for implementation and imparting special skills to staff for effective action.
The new directorate is the third major step the government announced in three consecutive days, starting with creation of a high- powered panel headed by the CBDT chairman on Saturday to recommend within six months how to curb generation of black money and engaging three top class institutions to assess the real worth of the black money.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Vilasrao Deshmukh under the scanner for Adarsh scam
He was no where in the picture when the controversial Adarsh scam broke in November last year. But now, a month after the inquiry commission began probing the multi-crore housing scam, affidavits submitted by top babus, politicians and officials are all pointing an indirect finger at Union Rural Development minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Ironically, ousted for being involved in the scam, former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has not been named in any of the affidavits filed so far.
First to pin the blame on Deshmukh was suspended State Information Commissioner and prime accused Ramanand Tiwari, who told the commission that it was Deshmukh who had approved all proposals pertaining to the 31- storey apartment building in up- scale Colaba. The society's proposal seeking deletion of the land reserved for BEST and changing it to residential type was forwarded to Deshmukh. Only after his approval, a notification dated March 3, 2006 was issued deleting the BEST reservation, Tiwari said in his affidavit clearly pointing out that it was Deshmukh who gave the go ahead for allowing Adarsh to use the additional FSI. Tiwari's son Omkar owns a flat in the society.
Another former CM and current Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also threw the ball in Vilasrao's court, washing his hands of the Adarsh controversy. Through his affidavit submitted before the Commission, Shinde made a veiled but pointed reference to his predecessor. On the question of the deletion of the reservation of the BEST plot and its conversion it to a residential one to favour Adarsh, Shinde said, " the notification (dated April 10, 2001) is prior to my taking over as chief minister." Denying any role in the Adarsh scam, State Water Resources minister Sunil Tatkare also passed the blame on to Deshmukh.
Tatkare, who was the minister of state for urban development intermittently from 1999 to 2004, pointed out he had no powers to take decisions in the Adarsh case, as he was a junior minister and all powers vested with the Chief Minister.
First to pin the blame on Deshmukh was suspended State Information Commissioner and prime accused Ramanand Tiwari, who told the commission that it was Deshmukh who had approved all proposals pertaining to the 31- storey apartment building in up- scale Colaba. The society's proposal seeking deletion of the land reserved for BEST and changing it to residential type was forwarded to Deshmukh. Only after his approval, a notification dated March 3, 2006 was issued deleting the BEST reservation, Tiwari said in his affidavit clearly pointing out that it was Deshmukh who gave the go ahead for allowing Adarsh to use the additional FSI. Tiwari's son Omkar owns a flat in the society.
Another former CM and current Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also threw the ball in Vilasrao's court, washing his hands of the Adarsh controversy. Through his affidavit submitted before the Commission, Shinde made a veiled but pointed reference to his predecessor. On the question of the deletion of the reservation of the BEST plot and its conversion it to a residential one to favour Adarsh, Shinde said, " the notification (dated April 10, 2001) is prior to my taking over as chief minister." Denying any role in the Adarsh scam, State Water Resources minister Sunil Tatkare also passed the blame on to Deshmukh.
Tatkare, who was the minister of state for urban development intermittently from 1999 to 2004, pointed out he had no powers to take decisions in the Adarsh case, as he was a junior minister and all powers vested with the Chief Minister.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Medha Patkar follows Anna Hazare path, for good
Medha Patkar's follows the path laid by Anna Hazare and her fast seems to be bringing an impact on the government as Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan spoke to her over the phone on Thursday midnight and agreed to many of her demands. However Patkar has not broken her fast claiming the language in the Government resolution (GR) was less than what was promised by the CM. Patkar is on indefinite hunger strike since eight days, demanding major changes in slum rehabilitation policy and inquiry on projects where there have been complaints of forgery.
CM has agreed for inquiry of alleged forgery in Ganeshkripa Society and 15 other Slum Rehabilitation projects across Mumbai city with members of civil society and a time- bound investigation. The government officials presented drafts of two GRs; one of them was about the inquiry committee on Ganeshkripa Society and the second was about 15 other projects where we have found forgery. " The language was twisted in a way that was not favoring the inquiry.
There were certain mistakes in terms the number of members in the committee. We rectified all of them and sent it back for notification," said Simpreet Singh, member, National Alliance of People's Movement. Singh also alleged that there has been pressure from the builder lobby on the CM. " There were differences in what CM and Sachin Ahir, housing minister collectively told us and what was mentioned in the GR. It seems builders have applied pressure and the Court and government have been misguided by the builders but we don't want such scene to repeat."
Demands
1. Two committees to be constituted: one, four member committee for the Ganesh Kripa Society and another five member Committee for 15 SRA projects across the Mumbai.
2. The committee for Ganeshkripa would submit its report to the state government by June 15 and till then no demolitions should take place.
3.The second committee to review other projects would submit interim report in three months time and final report in six months time.
4. 25 settlements to be declared as slums officially in three months time and provision of basic facilities like water, electricity and sanitation in these areas.
5. A meeting on June 10 with government officials to discuss about the implementation of Rajiv Awas ojana (RA) that would allow slum dwellers of rehabilitation without considering any cut- off date for eligibility that was promised by Chief Secretary Ratnakar Gikwad.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nanavati commission pushing for the decision on Gujarat riots
The Nanavati-Mehta judicial inquiry commission probing the 2002 riots cases, on Tuesday directed the state government to provide a list of incident in respect of which it wants to examine senior IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, even as it turned down his plea to defer the proceedings till the Gujarat government provides him with the services of a legal counsel.
The panel set a deadline of 8 pm on Tuesday for the government to make available the list. Sanjiv bhatt had earlier in the proceedings on Tuesday asked the commission that in view of allegations made against him by the state government through the questions put to him, it would be proper if the panel directs the government to file an affidavit on it to enable him to respond suitably. S B Vakil, Government counsel, submitted that he had right to examine a witness appeared before the commission and put questions to prove that he is not a reliable witness.
The commission, after hearing the parties, said the state cannot be forced to file the affidavit. But directed the government to submit the list to be fair to Bhatt and to avoid unnecessary adjournments. Bhatt objected to the government counsel's questions on old cases against him and urged that an affidavit dwelling on them be filedsought the government to file an affidavit to which he would reply.
Hearing on this issue is kept for May 27. Bhatt told the commission that he would need legal assistance while he's been cross examined by the government. The probe panel however rejected his request. The commission told Bhatt to 'think and answer' the questions while denying his demand.
On Bhatt's request to have access to details of call data, control room messages, intelligence records etc., the probe panel asked him to give a specific list. The commission said it would consider the application if Bhatt gives specific dates for which he's seeking the data.
The panel set a deadline of 8 pm on Tuesday for the government to make available the list. Sanjiv bhatt had earlier in the proceedings on Tuesday asked the commission that in view of allegations made against him by the state government through the questions put to him, it would be proper if the panel directs the government to file an affidavit on it to enable him to respond suitably. S B Vakil, Government counsel, submitted that he had right to examine a witness appeared before the commission and put questions to prove that he is not a reliable witness.
The commission, after hearing the parties, said the state cannot be forced to file the affidavit. But directed the government to submit the list to be fair to Bhatt and to avoid unnecessary adjournments. Bhatt objected to the government counsel's questions on old cases against him and urged that an affidavit dwelling on them be filedsought the government to file an affidavit to which he would reply.
Hearing on this issue is kept for May 27. Bhatt told the commission that he would need legal assistance while he's been cross examined by the government. The probe panel however rejected his request. The commission told Bhatt to 'think and answer' the questions while denying his demand.
On Bhatt's request to have access to details of call data, control room messages, intelligence records etc., the probe panel asked him to give a specific list. The commission said it would consider the application if Bhatt gives specific dates for which he's seeking the data.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Congress rules against President's rule in Karnataka due to legal reprimand
The Centre was fully convinced that the BJP's Karnataka Government is illegal and surviving due to "subversion of Constitution" and yet it decided against Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj's categorical recommendation to impose the President's rule because of political reasons and fear of another judicial rebuke.
Had the Congress not been on a shaky ground itself in the wake of corruption cases and embarrassment caused by the CVC controversy, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa wouldn't have been smiling today, a top source in the government said.
Responding to a question about the illegality of the Yeddyurappa government at the daily GoM (group of ministers) press briefing resumed on Monday, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, " I am not here to give a verdict of the legality or illegality of the government.
But any fair- minded person will know what the Assembly Speaker did if he goes through the strong strictures passed by the Supreme Court." This is by no means a rejection of the Governor's contention even if his suggestion for use of Article 356 was not accepted by the Union Cabinet.
When asked what was the constitutional validity of an advisory, Chidambaram said, "Such advisories had been issued in the past. We sent one when Christians were targeted in Karnataka and one in Bengal, too." Chidamabaram's forceful defence of the Governor also indicated the Centre did believe he overreached himself or acted with malafide intentions, as he emphatically ruled out recall of Bhardwaj.
In fact, the decision to send an advisory is being viewed as a face- saver for the Governor who took an extraordinary risk of highlighting the illegality of Yeddyurappa's majority even as he didn't have a water- tight case for dismissal.
The Home Minister saw no problem in the Governor's decision to combine issues like corruption with the majority question. The Home Minister admitted that these issues might not have fulfilled the legal requirements for imposition of President's rule.
Had the Congress not been on a shaky ground itself in the wake of corruption cases and embarrassment caused by the CVC controversy, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa wouldn't have been smiling today, a top source in the government said.
Responding to a question about the illegality of the Yeddyurappa government at the daily GoM (group of ministers) press briefing resumed on Monday, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, " I am not here to give a verdict of the legality or illegality of the government.
But any fair- minded person will know what the Assembly Speaker did if he goes through the strong strictures passed by the Supreme Court." This is by no means a rejection of the Governor's contention even if his suggestion for use of Article 356 was not accepted by the Union Cabinet.
When asked what was the constitutional validity of an advisory, Chidambaram said, "Such advisories had been issued in the past. We sent one when Christians were targeted in Karnataka and one in Bengal, too." Chidamabaram's forceful defence of the Governor also indicated the Centre did believe he overreached himself or acted with malafide intentions, as he emphatically ruled out recall of Bhardwaj.
In fact, the decision to send an advisory is being viewed as a face- saver for the Governor who took an extraordinary risk of highlighting the illegality of Yeddyurappa's majority even as he didn't have a water- tight case for dismissal.
The Home Minister saw no problem in the Governor's decision to combine issues like corruption with the majority question. The Home Minister admitted that these issues might not have fulfilled the legal requirements for imposition of President's rule.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Another House panel hit back at DoT on 2G
While Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given its report on the 2G spectrum scam and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) moves fast to give its report before August-end, yet another parliamentary committee has quietly completed its probe into the irregularities in the 2G licences, issued in January 2008 by then Telecom Minister A Raja, now cooling heels in Tihar Jails here.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has blasted the Department of Telecom (DoT) for not cancelling 74 licences for the Unified Access Services (UAS) as recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). It suspects something basically wrong with DoT in favouring the defaulters instead of punishing them.
It was shocked to note that DoT issued show-cause notices only to five or six telecom firms and that too only in March- April for the formality and referred back 64 cases to TRAI for reconsideration.
The defaulter companies include those who were given licences tweaking the rules and who are now facing the CBI probe. The committee is understood to have noted in its report that the telecom firms that faulted in rolling out the services should have been dealt with sternly.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has blasted the Department of Telecom (DoT) for not cancelling 74 licences for the Unified Access Services (UAS) as recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). It suspects something basically wrong with DoT in favouring the defaulters instead of punishing them.
It was shocked to note that DoT issued show-cause notices only to five or six telecom firms and that too only in March- April for the formality and referred back 64 cases to TRAI for reconsideration.
The defaulter companies include those who were given licences tweaking the rules and who are now facing the CBI probe. The committee is understood to have noted in its report that the telecom firms that faulted in rolling out the services should have been dealt with sternly.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Earth Day : India in search of hidden sources of water
The search for fresh sources of water to meet the expanding need of a burgeoning population has prompted the water resources ministry to conduct an extensive mapping of the country's aquifers ahead of the environment & earth day 2011. The proposed mapping, backed by the Planning Commission, will include a search for palaeowater or groundwater that has remained hidden for several thousand years.
Interestingly, palaeowater aquifers as a potent source for freshwater was discovered recently while conducting hydrological experiments. These aquifers lie hidden deep into the earth and cannot be easily located. Nevertheless, the quality of water extracted from such confined and deep sources is better in comparison with water obtained from the shallow or first- level aquifers which may be contaminated.
Besides, the shallow aquifers located 30 to 40 meters below the earth are over exploited and hence there is an urgent need to look for alternative sources of freshwater.
“ The first- level water is being dried up or getting contaminated,” said Bhishm Kumar, scientist and head, hydrological investigation division, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) , Roorkee, under the water resources ministry.
The aquifer mapping, which is likely to be carried out by the Central Ground Water Board, will help in identifying dynamic aquifers at greater depths that can be utilised for drinking and irrigation.
“ There may be thousands of palaeowater sources in India, but no systematic survey has been conducted yet to find this out,” Kumar said.
A study conducted by NIH to ascertain the intrusion of seawater into groundwater in the Krishna-Delta region of Andhra Pradesh found that water samples in the region were more than 25,000 years old, according to a paper published by the institute in December last year.
Similarly, an environmental isotope study to ascertain the age of water in the Bhadka- Bheemda area in Barmer, Rajasthan in 1996, confirmed the existence of palaeowater which was between 4,000 and 9,500 years old.
Interestingly, palaeowater aquifers as a potent source for freshwater was discovered recently while conducting hydrological experiments. These aquifers lie hidden deep into the earth and cannot be easily located. Nevertheless, the quality of water extracted from such confined and deep sources is better in comparison with water obtained from the shallow or first- level aquifers which may be contaminated.
Besides, the shallow aquifers located 30 to 40 meters below the earth are over exploited and hence there is an urgent need to look for alternative sources of freshwater.
“ The first- level water is being dried up or getting contaminated,” said Bhishm Kumar, scientist and head, hydrological investigation division, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) , Roorkee, under the water resources ministry.
The aquifer mapping, which is likely to be carried out by the Central Ground Water Board, will help in identifying dynamic aquifers at greater depths that can be utilised for drinking and irrigation.
“ There may be thousands of palaeowater sources in India, but no systematic survey has been conducted yet to find this out,” Kumar said.
A study conducted by NIH to ascertain the intrusion of seawater into groundwater in the Krishna-Delta region of Andhra Pradesh found that water samples in the region were more than 25,000 years old, according to a paper published by the institute in December last year.
Similarly, an environmental isotope study to ascertain the age of water in the Bhadka- Bheemda area in Barmer, Rajasthan in 1996, confirmed the existence of palaeowater which was between 4,000 and 9,500 years old.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
List of applicants of DDA housing scheme 2010 on its website
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has uploaded on its website the names of all eligible candidates who have filed applications for its latest housing scheme. The authority has received over 7 lakh applications for around 16,000 flats.
DDA officials said the names have been put on the website after verifying the details as submitted in the forms. This will help the applicants check the status of their request. Moreover, those whose forms have been rejected can also follow the matter up with DDA officials.
“ If any detail in the form is incorrect, applicants can contact the officials concerned,” DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar said.
The computerized draw will be held in April. The results will be displayed on the DDA website. Allottees will be dispatched intimation letters. A waiting list of 600 candidates will also be prepared.
DDA officials said the names have been put on the website after verifying the details as submitted in the forms. This will help the applicants check the status of their request. Moreover, those whose forms have been rejected can also follow the matter up with DDA officials.
“ If any detail in the form is incorrect, applicants can contact the officials concerned,” DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar said.
The computerized draw will be held in April. The results will be displayed on the DDA website. Allottees will be dispatched intimation letters. A waiting list of 600 candidates will also be prepared.
Untraceable entry passes, breach of airport security
Airport entry passes issued to 30 employees have been missing since the past two months, the legislative council was informed on Monday. With Mumbai already being threatened by terrorist groups and the world cup finals to be held in the city, the loss of the passes poses a tricky question to the home ministry.
The news of the loss of passes, was revealed by MLC Kiran Pawaskar, raising a point of propriety in the legislative council.
Pawaskar said, "The passes are issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to employees of various companies at the airport. In this particular case, passes belonging to two specific companies have gone missing. First is Livewell, that provides flight handling and air- conditioning cleaning services. The second one is Celebinas, that provides loading, off- loading and cleaning services to Kingfisher. 12 of the employees have complained to the police regarding the loss, however, they got a very lukewarm response from the police who were not even ready to take complaints," Pawaskar alleged.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Services issues the passes to the employees. In case they are lost, the onus is on the company to inform the police and the BCAS. Every employee collects the pass from a supervisor or manager while going inside the airport and submits it after his duty hours, for safekeeping. " In the current case, the supervisors entrusted with the custody of the passes themselves are suspected of having misplaced the passes," Pawaskar alleged.
"I have brought it to the notice of the local DCP Mr. Satyanarayan and ACP too. It is highly important from the security point of view to find out where exactly these passes are right now," he added.
Taking serious note of the point raised by the MLC, the Chairman of the legislative council asked him to give copies of his memorandum to him as well as to the home minister. He also said that the matter pertains to state and national security and that he would himself talk to the home minister.
The news of the loss of passes, was revealed by MLC Kiran Pawaskar, raising a point of propriety in the legislative council.
Pawaskar said, "The passes are issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to employees of various companies at the airport. In this particular case, passes belonging to two specific companies have gone missing. First is Livewell, that provides flight handling and air- conditioning cleaning services. The second one is Celebinas, that provides loading, off- loading and cleaning services to Kingfisher. 12 of the employees have complained to the police regarding the loss, however, they got a very lukewarm response from the police who were not even ready to take complaints," Pawaskar alleged.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Services issues the passes to the employees. In case they are lost, the onus is on the company to inform the police and the BCAS. Every employee collects the pass from a supervisor or manager while going inside the airport and submits it after his duty hours, for safekeeping. " In the current case, the supervisors entrusted with the custody of the passes themselves are suspected of having misplaced the passes," Pawaskar alleged.
"I have brought it to the notice of the local DCP Mr. Satyanarayan and ACP too. It is highly important from the security point of view to find out where exactly these passes are right now," he added.
Taking serious note of the point raised by the MLC, the Chairman of the legislative council asked him to give copies of his memorandum to him as well as to the home minister. He also said that the matter pertains to state and national security and that he would himself talk to the home minister.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Rehman Malik raises question on match fixing in India Pakistan semi final
Pakistan's interior minister Rehman Malik stirred a hornets’ nest on Monday by warning his country’s cricketers against matchfixing and saying they were under surveillance.
The minister’s comments, that angered the country’s cricket community and took his cabinet colleagues by surprise, came two days ahead of Pakistan’s semi- final face off with India in the cricket World Cup. The Pakistani team at Mohali, which has played some breathtaking cricket in this World Cup, was clearly mystified by the remarks but said the focus would be on the game.
Even though the minister was criticised, his remarks brought back the match-fixing issue to haunt the Pakistan cricket team. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Malik warned skipper Shahid Afridi and his men — who had a rigorous practice session in Mohali ahead of the crunch match with India — that they were being closely watched in the run up to the semi-final.
“I should not have revealed (this) but we have put them under strict surveillance, like who are the people meeting our players, with whom they are talking by telephone,” he said and added: “It was necessary after what had happened in London.” Pakistan’s Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were involved in spot-fixing in London last year and have been banned by ICC.
Malik said, “We cannot take any chance. I had given a warning (to the players) yesterday that there should be no match fixing. This time I am watching it very closely. If any such thing happens we will take action.”
He did note, “I am sure that our current team members are very clean and I hope that they will not disappoint the nation.” But, for many top cricketing personalities in Pakistan, the damage had been done.
Malik’s public comments on a subject that cuts too close to the bone in Pakistan drew an immediate and angry response from former players and a prominent former cricket administrator. They condemned his remarks for being ill-timed and a dampener for the fans before Wednesday’s high-voltage clash.
Former captain Imran Khan dismissed the minister’s statement as being disappointing for Pakistani fans and Shahid Afridi’s men. “Is he saying that our players are still suspect? Is he suggesting that there might have been contacts by the players with shady betting mafia if the government was not monitoring them?”
Imran asked. “The minister seems to be casting aspersions on the team. Even if Malik knows something he should have kept his mouth shut before this crucial encounter.” He went on to say that he would rather keep a watch on Malik than the cricketers.
“He was an absconder from the law. My worry is not the cricket team, but him.” Imran said it was highly frustrating that a senior member of the government should talk so irresponsibly. “As he himself said he had spoken to the players so why did he feel it necessary to tell the whole world about.”
At the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium in Mohali, Pak paceman Umar Gul hinted the team would not give credence to the minister’s comments and keep the focus on the match with India. “I am not aware of this (Malik’s comments) and got to know now what you (the mediapersons) have told me. We are focusing on our cricket. For the past five-six months we have endured a lot of pressure and scandals. But we have been doing well for some time. There is no pressure on us.
Unity is the key factor in our team right now.”
Shaharyar Khan, an ex-chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the remarks were unfortunate. “Malik should not have gone public (with his remarks),” he said. “It was totally unnecessary. I can’t imagine any players even remotely contemplating these acts during such a crucial match. We have already three players being hauled up in London (in the wake of the spotfixing controversy),” Khan said.
Zaheer Abbas, a former captain, condemned Malik’s statement. “This is not the right time to raise the issue of match-fixing.
This is not the right time to talk about something that has given Pakistani cricket a bad image worldwide. The minister should have issued a statement to boost the morale of the players and the nation,” he said. “The minister should have thought twice before issuing such a drastic statement even if he knew something important.”
Shoaib Muhammad, the son of Hanif Muhammad, said matchfixing was a sensitive issue. It put even the so-called ‘clean’ players on the defensive. Malik’s statement, he said, would have the same impact on the Pakistani team. “The team can do without distractions and they can especially do without being distracted by something that has had a devastating impact on the credibility of Pakistani cricketers,” he said.
Ex-opener Aamir Sohail had a different take. “There are fears of these things (fixing) but the timing and the way he has come out in the media, it could have been said quietly to the players. There is no point in going on air and talking about it. He could have just sent a message.”
His cabinet colleague, information minister Firdaus Ashiq Awan, said he should clarify as to why he made the statement.
The minister’s comments, that angered the country’s cricket community and took his cabinet colleagues by surprise, came two days ahead of Pakistan’s semi- final face off with India in the cricket World Cup. The Pakistani team at Mohali, which has played some breathtaking cricket in this World Cup, was clearly mystified by the remarks but said the focus would be on the game.
Even though the minister was criticised, his remarks brought back the match-fixing issue to haunt the Pakistan cricket team. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Malik warned skipper Shahid Afridi and his men — who had a rigorous practice session in Mohali ahead of the crunch match with India — that they were being closely watched in the run up to the semi-final.
“I should not have revealed (this) but we have put them under strict surveillance, like who are the people meeting our players, with whom they are talking by telephone,” he said and added: “It was necessary after what had happened in London.” Pakistan’s Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were involved in spot-fixing in London last year and have been banned by ICC.
Malik said, “We cannot take any chance. I had given a warning (to the players) yesterday that there should be no match fixing. This time I am watching it very closely. If any such thing happens we will take action.”
He did note, “I am sure that our current team members are very clean and I hope that they will not disappoint the nation.” But, for many top cricketing personalities in Pakistan, the damage had been done.
Malik’s public comments on a subject that cuts too close to the bone in Pakistan drew an immediate and angry response from former players and a prominent former cricket administrator. They condemned his remarks for being ill-timed and a dampener for the fans before Wednesday’s high-voltage clash.
Former captain Imran Khan dismissed the minister’s statement as being disappointing for Pakistani fans and Shahid Afridi’s men. “Is he saying that our players are still suspect? Is he suggesting that there might have been contacts by the players with shady betting mafia if the government was not monitoring them?”
Imran asked. “The minister seems to be casting aspersions on the team. Even if Malik knows something he should have kept his mouth shut before this crucial encounter.” He went on to say that he would rather keep a watch on Malik than the cricketers.
“He was an absconder from the law. My worry is not the cricket team, but him.” Imran said it was highly frustrating that a senior member of the government should talk so irresponsibly. “As he himself said he had spoken to the players so why did he feel it necessary to tell the whole world about.”
At the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium in Mohali, Pak paceman Umar Gul hinted the team would not give credence to the minister’s comments and keep the focus on the match with India. “I am not aware of this (Malik’s comments) and got to know now what you (the mediapersons) have told me. We are focusing on our cricket. For the past five-six months we have endured a lot of pressure and scandals. But we have been doing well for some time. There is no pressure on us.
Unity is the key factor in our team right now.”
Shaharyar Khan, an ex-chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the remarks were unfortunate. “Malik should not have gone public (with his remarks),” he said. “It was totally unnecessary. I can’t imagine any players even remotely contemplating these acts during such a crucial match. We have already three players being hauled up in London (in the wake of the spotfixing controversy),” Khan said.
Zaheer Abbas, a former captain, condemned Malik’s statement. “This is not the right time to raise the issue of match-fixing.
This is not the right time to talk about something that has given Pakistani cricket a bad image worldwide. The minister should have issued a statement to boost the morale of the players and the nation,” he said. “The minister should have thought twice before issuing such a drastic statement even if he knew something important.”
Shoaib Muhammad, the son of Hanif Muhammad, said matchfixing was a sensitive issue. It put even the so-called ‘clean’ players on the defensive. Malik’s statement, he said, would have the same impact on the Pakistani team. “The team can do without distractions and they can especially do without being distracted by something that has had a devastating impact on the credibility of Pakistani cricketers,” he said.
Ex-opener Aamir Sohail had a different take. “There are fears of these things (fixing) but the timing and the way he has come out in the media, it could have been said quietly to the players. There is no point in going on air and talking about it. He could have just sent a message.”
His cabinet colleague, information minister Firdaus Ashiq Awan, said he should clarify as to why he made the statement.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Hasan Ali fears for life and says big names at stake
In a curious twist to the Hasan Ali case, the Pune stud farm owner, in a handwritten note to the Mumbai sessions court on Friday, said he feared for his life and that of his family members. Ali, though, did not name the source of this threat. The man, said to be India’s biggest tax evader, has been sent to judicial custody until April 8, following the expiry of his remand to the enforcement directorate (ED). Ali will be lodged in a Mumbai prison under extra security following his application in court.
“ He (Ali) believes those he has named during the week- long interrogation will try to harm him or his family to prevent him from revealing the bigger names,” a source said. Right before the court hearing, Ali drafted an application and submitted it to the principal sessions judge Swapna Joshi. Ali’s advocate, Ishwari Prasad Bagaria, admitted that his client fears for his life.
He, however, refused to confirm whether this threat was from Ali’s aide Kashinath Tapuriah and his associates.
“ The court has instructed the prison authority to ensure that he ( Ali) is given enough protection while in jail. We will make our move in the next hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday,” Bagaria said.
He, however, denied that Ali has made any public statement in court on exposing the big fishes. “ Whatever he had to say, he has told the ED.” Kolkata businessman Tapuriah, meanwhile, has been remanded to the ED custody until Wednesday. Sources investigating the money trail feel Tapuriah is one of the links that will take the investigation to the next level and help identify more beneficiaries of this money laundering activity.
“ Several businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats who Ali has laundered money for were introduced to him by Tapuriah. His interrogation holds the many missing links of the puzzle,” an officer said.
“ He (Ali) believes those he has named during the week- long interrogation will try to harm him or his family to prevent him from revealing the bigger names,” a source said. Right before the court hearing, Ali drafted an application and submitted it to the principal sessions judge Swapna Joshi. Ali’s advocate, Ishwari Prasad Bagaria, admitted that his client fears for his life.
He, however, refused to confirm whether this threat was from Ali’s aide Kashinath Tapuriah and his associates.
“ The court has instructed the prison authority to ensure that he ( Ali) is given enough protection while in jail. We will make our move in the next hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday,” Bagaria said.
He, however, denied that Ali has made any public statement in court on exposing the big fishes. “ Whatever he had to say, he has told the ED.” Kolkata businessman Tapuriah, meanwhile, has been remanded to the ED custody until Wednesday. Sources investigating the money trail feel Tapuriah is one of the links that will take the investigation to the next level and help identify more beneficiaries of this money laundering activity.
“ Several businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats who Ali has laundered money for were introduced to him by Tapuriah. His interrogation holds the many missing links of the puzzle,” an officer said.
PM invites Zardari and Gilani for India vs Pakistan Semifinal at Mohali
Not only the World Cup sporting fortunes of our cricket team in the quarter-final match against Australia were in play, the political fortunes of our relations with Pakistan were at stake too.
Unknown to them, our gallant players were playing for the nation for a cause greater than closing the doors for Australia in the tournament. They were, through their successful exertions in the field, opening the doors of a resumed summit-level engagement between India and Pakistan.
If the spectators in the cricket ground were baying for an Indian win, those at Raisina Hill were praying for the victory of our “Nations Eleven”. Our cricketers were acting as diplomats without knowing it. Cricket diplomacy seems to fascinate us, despite our bitter experience with the last Pakistani practitioner of it.
Exultation over our win has promptly led to an invitation to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Yousaf Raza Gilani to visit Mohali for the India-Pakistan semi-final. The difference between being imaginative and being ad hoc in responses can be sometimes thin. What if India had lost the match against Australia?
Obviously, Z and G would not have been sent friendly missives to visit India. How much of the forward movement in our ties with Pakistan depended on the unpredictable results of a cricket match! If this is the fluidity of the underlying dynamics of our approach toward Pakistan, how can we build a solid policy towards that country?
Even before the Thimphu spirit has produced heady feelings on our side, we have already imbued ourselves with a new one — the Mohali spirit. At Thimphu, we had agreed to a series of meetings to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation, trade, Kashmir, Sir Creek, peace and security at the secretary level, to be topped with a meeting at foreign minister- level by July this year. Well, before this agenda has even begun to be completed, we have abandoned it by jumping straight to the PMPresident level.
Without verifying over the coming months if there is any positive change in Pakistan’s positions on various issues, we are demonstrating our trust in that country’s essential goodwill towards us by opening our arms to its leaders.
For us, Pakistan cannot be in disgrace for too long, no matter what they do, because of our powerful yearning to embrace it at the earliest opportunity. Pakistani leaders have long wanted our PM to visit their country, but their actions have made it impossible for him to do so. Even now, Pakistan has not moved on the issue of bringing to justice those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai massacre, much less dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil.
Pakistan’s unwillingness even to curb Hafiz Saeed is instructive on where it stands on the issue of jihadi groups targeting India. Meanwhile, religious extremism is striking deeper roots in the country, with ministers being killed for opposing the egregious blasphemy law. The government of Z and G is tottering because of internal bickerings in the coalition. US-Pakistan relations have come under more strain because of the Raymond Davis affair. Pakistan’s descent towards failure as a state is generating increased anxiety. China is proceeding with expanding the nuclear capability of this unstable country that is frenetically adding to its nuclear arsenal.
Z and G can’t deliver what their own people want from them. How can they deliver anything that we want? They, in fact, would be looking for gestures from us to bolster themselves internally. Our first gesture has already been made.
We are throwing a political lifeline to Z (and to a lesser extent G) even as he is politically drowning. Why? Should we feel concerned that other gestures might follow? The Pakistanis are keen on a Siachen agreement, and they have support for this from their western friends desperately keen to exit from Afghanistan. There’s is nothing sporting in Pakistan’s conduct and policies towards India.
Cricket, a gentleman’s game, does not, therefore, offer the right metaphor politically for our effort to advance our understanding with Pakistan. Those with no show of remorse for Mumbai did not merit our use of the excuse of the cricket match at Mohali to forgive, forget and move forward.
Unknown to them, our gallant players were playing for the nation for a cause greater than closing the doors for Australia in the tournament. They were, through their successful exertions in the field, opening the doors of a resumed summit-level engagement between India and Pakistan.
If the spectators in the cricket ground were baying for an Indian win, those at Raisina Hill were praying for the victory of our “Nations Eleven”. Our cricketers were acting as diplomats without knowing it. Cricket diplomacy seems to fascinate us, despite our bitter experience with the last Pakistani practitioner of it.
Exultation over our win has promptly led to an invitation to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Yousaf Raza Gilani to visit Mohali for the India-Pakistan semi-final. The difference between being imaginative and being ad hoc in responses can be sometimes thin. What if India had lost the match against Australia?
Obviously, Z and G would not have been sent friendly missives to visit India. How much of the forward movement in our ties with Pakistan depended on the unpredictable results of a cricket match! If this is the fluidity of the underlying dynamics of our approach toward Pakistan, how can we build a solid policy towards that country?
Even before the Thimphu spirit has produced heady feelings on our side, we have already imbued ourselves with a new one — the Mohali spirit. At Thimphu, we had agreed to a series of meetings to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation, trade, Kashmir, Sir Creek, peace and security at the secretary level, to be topped with a meeting at foreign minister- level by July this year. Well, before this agenda has even begun to be completed, we have abandoned it by jumping straight to the PMPresident level.
Without verifying over the coming months if there is any positive change in Pakistan’s positions on various issues, we are demonstrating our trust in that country’s essential goodwill towards us by opening our arms to its leaders.
For us, Pakistan cannot be in disgrace for too long, no matter what they do, because of our powerful yearning to embrace it at the earliest opportunity. Pakistani leaders have long wanted our PM to visit their country, but their actions have made it impossible for him to do so. Even now, Pakistan has not moved on the issue of bringing to justice those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai massacre, much less dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil.
Pakistan’s unwillingness even to curb Hafiz Saeed is instructive on where it stands on the issue of jihadi groups targeting India. Meanwhile, religious extremism is striking deeper roots in the country, with ministers being killed for opposing the egregious blasphemy law. The government of Z and G is tottering because of internal bickerings in the coalition. US-Pakistan relations have come under more strain because of the Raymond Davis affair. Pakistan’s descent towards failure as a state is generating increased anxiety. China is proceeding with expanding the nuclear capability of this unstable country that is frenetically adding to its nuclear arsenal.
Z and G can’t deliver what their own people want from them. How can they deliver anything that we want? They, in fact, would be looking for gestures from us to bolster themselves internally. Our first gesture has already been made.
We are throwing a political lifeline to Z (and to a lesser extent G) even as he is politically drowning. Why? Should we feel concerned that other gestures might follow? The Pakistanis are keen on a Siachen agreement, and they have support for this from their western friends desperately keen to exit from Afghanistan. There’s is nothing sporting in Pakistan’s conduct and policies towards India.
Cricket, a gentleman’s game, does not, therefore, offer the right metaphor politically for our effort to advance our understanding with Pakistan. Those with no show of remorse for Mumbai did not merit our use of the excuse of the cricket match at Mohali to forgive, forget and move forward.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Marathi film stars join MNS
Accepting the leadership of Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for promoting Marathi cinema in Maharashtra, top Marathi film actors on Thursday joined the Maharastra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena. The MNCKS till now has enrolled around 10,000 technicians, artistes and workers from the film industry and is expected to cross the 25,000 mark in coming month.
Joining the MNS cine wing were Marathi superstar Makrand Anaspure, Ajinkya Deo, Prasad Oak, Sayaji Shinde, Priya Berde, Vinay edekar among many. Speaking on the occasion, Anaspure expressed his gratitude towards Raj Thackeray and MNS for helping out the Marathi film industry in times of crisis. " There are so many problems for the promotion of Marathi film, right from lack of money for advertising to availability of theatre to release the cinema.
When I met Raj Thackeray, he had made a number of important suggestions to solve the problems. We are here, because these people have worked for our Marathi film industry. There is no political pressure on us to join the organisation," said Anaspure. Leading Marathi star Prasad Oak thanked MNCKS for supporting his film in the past, even when he was not the member of the association.
"They have helped us in real. The opposition would understand now that, we are not alone," he said. Sayaji Shinde, who has worked in Marathi, Hindi and in Southern films, mentioned that the unity of cine artistes which is extremely strong in Southern states should be seen in Maharashtra also. " They have such a strong and strict union, that it is the necessity of our state as well," Shinde said.
Joining the MNS cine wing were Marathi superstar Makrand Anaspure, Ajinkya Deo, Prasad Oak, Sayaji Shinde, Priya Berde, Vinay edekar among many. Speaking on the occasion, Anaspure expressed his gratitude towards Raj Thackeray and MNS for helping out the Marathi film industry in times of crisis. " There are so many problems for the promotion of Marathi film, right from lack of money for advertising to availability of theatre to release the cinema.
When I met Raj Thackeray, he had made a number of important suggestions to solve the problems. We are here, because these people have worked for our Marathi film industry. There is no political pressure on us to join the organisation," said Anaspure. Leading Marathi star Prasad Oak thanked MNCKS for supporting his film in the past, even when he was not the member of the association.
"They have helped us in real. The opposition would understand now that, we are not alone," he said. Sayaji Shinde, who has worked in Marathi, Hindi and in Southern films, mentioned that the unity of cine artistes which is extremely strong in Southern states should be seen in Maharashtra also. " They have such a strong and strict union, that it is the necessity of our state as well," Shinde said.
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